Board Trims Requirements For College Prep Diploma

TAVARES — Lake County students seeking a college preparatory diploma will need just 24 credits instead of 26, the Lake County School Board has decided.

Jay Marshall, supervisor of student services, told the School Board on Tuesday night that the change was necessary because of the reduction in the school day from seven to six periods.

That change was made two years ago, but Marshall said the next school year will be the first that might adversely affect students who are seeking the college preparatory diploma. Students last year and this year were able to get the needed credits despite the reduction in class periods, he said.

School Board members unanimously approved the recommendation. But they also asked for assurances that the school system would continue a strong summer school program that would allow students to earn additional credits.

The college preparatory diploma is one of four offered to high school students, including the scholar diploma that still will require 26 credits.

The general and vocational diploma programs each require 24 credits for graduation.